An elegant century from Azhar Ali and a steady knock of 82 from Sami Aslam helped Pakistan post 257 for three from 90 overs, reducing the first innings deficit to just 40 runs by the end of day two of the third Test against England in Birmingham.

After the series was levelled 1-1 with England’s win against Pakistan in the second Test, both the teams will be keen to claim an unassailable lead in the third match at Edgbaston. Ahead of the game, here are a few key statistics.

A disciplined bowling performance from England bowled Pakistan out for 234 runs in the final innings after setting a target of 565 runs to complete a comprehensive 330-run win on the fourth day of the second Test match in Manchester which levelled the series 1-1.

Pakistan put on a below par showing and were bowled out for 198 runs in their first innings following which England came out to bat again and stretched the lead to 489 runs by the end of the rain affected third day of the second Test match in Manchester.

After Joe Root’s career best 254 helped England build a total of 589 for eight, Chris Woakes took a three-wicket haul to peg Pakistan down to 57 for four in 24 overs at stumps on the second day of the second Test in Manchester.

With a 75-run win in the first Test, Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the four-match Test series against England. The action will now shift to Old Trafford where the second Test gets underway on 22nd July. Ahead of the game, let us look at a few of the key statistics.

After succumbing to the spin of Yasir Shah in the first Test at Lord's, England will be keen to return back to winning ways and level the series when they take on Pakistan in the second Test at Old Trafford on Friday.

The International Cricket Council and the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the appointment of the former South African fast bowler Steve Elworthy as the managing director for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.